Free Eats

The state’s economy is seeing hard times, but legislators and state officials can always count on lobbyists for a free meal, golf, and sometimes even a decent concert, according to recently filed lobbying disclosure reports. On October 16, GOP assemblyman Martin Garrick got a ticket to a concert at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre in Chula Vista worth $146 from Sempra Energy. Garrick’s staff had to settle for a $10.45 box of candy. On November 5, Sempra hosted a $67.67 meal at the Gaslamp’s Lou and Mickey’s restaurant for Caltrans district director Pedro Orso-Delgado. On November 10, the Barona tribe picked up a $120 round of golf for Democratic senator Alex Padilla. Sylvia Castillo, district director for Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, got a $26.95 meal at the Barona Valley Ranch Sage Café. And Democratic assemblyman Curren Price got food worth $47.55. On November 11, AT&T gave GOP assemblyman Joel Anderson $120 worth of tickets to a Kings game and refreshments at Sacramento’s Arco Arena. On October 7, Anderson stopped by the Viejas tribe’s Grove Steakhouse for a $23.10 lunch. The tribe also gave him $22 worth of cookies from El Cajon’s New York Bakery.